Santa Margarita Wins CIF Open Division Football Title

Santa Margarita Catholic High School capped a remarkable turnaround by defeating De La Salle 47-13 on Saturday night to claim the CIF Open Division state football championship at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, California. The victory marked the Eagles' first state title since 2011 and highlighted their improbable journey from a 5-7 record the previous season to national prominence.

The game showcased Santa Margarita's explosive offense and stout defense against the previously undefeated Spartans from Concord. Quarterback Trace Johnson completed 17 of 20 passes for 247 yards and four touchdowns, while senior wide receiver Trent Mosley, who recently signed with the University of Southern California, caught 11 passes for 183 yards and three scores. Mosley opened the scoring with a 7-yard run just 58 seconds into the game and added a 34-yard touchdown reception after a blocked field goal attempt by the Eagles' Simote Katoanga, another USC signee. A trick play later in the first quarter saw offensive tackle Niniva Nicholson line up as a receiver, leading to a 20-yard touchdown pass to tight end Luke Gazzaniga.

Santa Margarita led 35-7 at halftime, never punting in the first...